Election Guidelines

Name: Best Learning Centre
Brand: Best Learning Centre
SKU: 7418968881
Price: 5000 INR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1445 reviews)

Election Guidelines

The Election Guidelines, also known as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), are directives put forth by the Election Commission of India (EC) to oversee the behavior of political parties and candidates during electoral processes. These directives become active as soon as the election timetable is announced and remain applicable until the declaration of results.

The MCC aims to uphold the integrity of elections by fostering fair competition among contestants and preventing the abuse of governmental resources for electoral purposes.

Historical Development

The MCC has undergone changes since its inception in the 1960s. Initially, it consisted of informal agreements among political factions. Its formal introduction occurred in 1971 prior to the 5th Lok Sabha elections. Since then, it has been issued before each central and state election, undergoing revisions as needed. The overarching goals of the code include ensuring fairness among political parties, minimizing inter-party conflicts, and maintaining law and order during the electoral period. Its primary function is to prevent the ruling party from leveraging governmental resources for its electoral advantage. This aspect of the code contributes significantly to its broad acceptance across all political entities. Parties adhere to the code in anticipation that others, particularly the ruling party, will do the same, thus avoiding unfair advantages. Another factor contributing to its efficacy is its restrained nature, which parties find manageable to comply with. In 1991, the EC officially adopted the MCC, periodically updating it to address emerging challenges and incorporate new provisions.

Principal Regulations

General Behavior

Political groups and candidates are urged to refrain from personal attacks, offensive language, or actions that exacerbate existing divisions or foster animosity among communities. Exploiting caste or communal sentiments to secure votes is strictly prohibited.

Assemblies and Marches

Parties and candidates must observe local regulations and obtain necessary permits for organizing public gatherings and marches. They should notify authorities about the timing, location, and route of any public assembly to facilitate proper arrangements and prevent inconvenience to the public.

Guidelines for Polling Days

Campaigning within 100 meters of polling stations is prohibited. Parties and candidates are barred from distributing alcohol, bribing voters, or intimidating them. They must not transport voters to or from polling stations or use vehicles for campaigning without proper authorization.

Government Officials and Public Resources:

Ministers and other government officials are prohibited from blending official duties with electoral activities. They cannot announce financial grants, initiate new projects, or pledge public works during the MCC period. Utilizing government resources, vehicles, or personnel for campaigning is strictly forbidden.

Election Platforms:

As per the 2019 addition to the MCC, election platforms should align with the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution. Parties must justify their promises in the platforms and outline the means to fulfill financial requirements.

Implementation and Sanctions:

The MCC lacks legal force but violations may constitute offenses under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Penalties for these offenses include fines and imprisonment.

The EC has the authority to issue warnings, reprimands, or even revoke the recognition of a political party for repeated MCC violations. Individual candidates may receive show-cause notices, face FIRs, or have their candidacies canceled.

Noteworthy Incidents and Controversies

Over time, there have been several instances of MCC breaches by political entities:

During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the EC reprimanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his comments about former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the EC ordered the removal of billboards featuring the then-Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalithaa, as they violated the MCC.

In 2017, the EC censured Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for remarks about bribery during the Goa Assembly elections.

Criticism and Discussion

Despite its success in promoting fair electoral practices, the MCC has encountered criticism:

Some argue that its provisions are inadequate and fail to address issues like paid news, misinformation, and social media campaigning.

Critics also highlight the absence of legal backing for the MCC, leading to selective enforcement. Calls have been made to grant it legal status for enhanced effectiveness and uniform application.

Know More:

Read daily current affairs in English : Click Here

Read daily current affairs in Tamil : Click Here

Check the latest jobs update details : Click Here

Our Achievements:

https://youtu.be/w_Zuct_ttvQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLRj6js0X5U

https://youtu.be/0rJXuwL8lq8

https://youtu.be/OtAmkOCCKQM

https://youtu.be/TyijOj6YxMc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ung7VREhwYI

https://youtu.be/NDCtICcJfoE